Act 165 

Vermont Legislation To Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning

In Older Rental Housing

In 1996, the Vermont Legislature passed Act 165, an act to prevent childhood lead poisoning in older rental housing and child care facilities. The law requires that landlords of older buildings and day care facility owners take steps to help prevent children from being exposed to lead.

Vermont Law requires that owners of rental property and child care facilities built before 1978 complete a Compliance Statement upon completion of Essential Maintenance Practices (EMPs). Property managers who provide maintenance services are also required to complete EMP's, including filing the compliance statement, unless their contract explicitly states the property manager is not responsible. Every 365 days a Compliance Statement must be filed with the Department of Health and with the property owner's liability insurance carrier. Copies of the Compliance Statement must be given to tenants

Essential maintenance practices can only be performed by qualified persons who have successfully attended and completed a training program approved by the Department of Health.  My Certificate

Steps landlords are required to take include the following:

• Installing window well inserts in all windows. 

• Inspecting the condition of paint on all surfaces and performing essential maintenance annually.

• Make disclosures to tenants. see form 

• Provide occupants with a pamphlet about lead paint poisoning prevention.

• Post a Notice asking people to report chipping or damaged paint. 

• Sign an Compliance Statement stating that essential maintenance practices have been carried out and filing it with their insurance carrier and the Vermont Dept. of Health.

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More Info:  http://leadsafevermont.org/home.html           New EPA Guidelines                                   EMP Manual (pdf file)